Time Is The Real Luxury Asset

Every era in history has pros and cons. Many people will argue a simpler life with no technology lends to great happiness. Some people say an agrarian society slowed the pace of life and focused on the importance of family. Life 100 years ago promoted more physical activity outside. Every era could potentially be seen as great.

Based on the comparative past, the period of history in which we currently live could be considered the greatest. Getting information is easy, life expectancy is higher and infant mortality is lower; we have a better medical response and disease protection. Electricity, education, safety help us to improve our lives.

Despite what it looks like, we are actually living through the most paradoxical period in world history. We have a complete comfort but we have the feeling that our time is never enough as an endless day would be necessary to cover all our commitments. Prosperity and wealth are not enough but time is everything.

Quoting William Henry Davies, poet and writer:

“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare. […] No time to see, in broad daylight, streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, and watch her feet, how they can dance. A poor life this if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.”

Time is the most precious resource that humans possess and we are all equal in how much we have: we all have 24 hours each day to live as best as we can. How we spend our time and how we earn make the difference between one person and another.

Time is the fundamental need for yacht or jet owners. Time is far more important than the opulence of the boat or having the latest of the aircraft. Countless people spend a lot of money to buy, equip and maintain that boat or that jet which unfortunately they do not have time to enjoy or they use for an infinitesimal part of the year.

How much time does an ‘object’ need to belong to us? Sometimes recognition begins as sudden adhesion, but the most tenacious dreams are the result of a recognition that builds and weaves slowly. Which is the real sense of ownership? The autobiographical fabric behind everything. Probably it is ideally suited to foster in the older adult a belief that those assets are meaningful and something of which to be proud. What makes them priceless? Time; both time spent to own an ‘object’ and time used to enjoy an asset.

In this era of permanent running, acceleration and ubiquity, where technology makes us omnipresent and omnivorous, simultaneously here and elsewhere, geographically traceable and trackable, taking time for ourselves means granting a luxury. Whether doing one thing at a time or allowing ourselves a break to enjoy our time fully.

With a more and more intense pace of life because of too many commitments, our time has become the real luxury to find. How could we completely and utterly relish our time? The answer is a private jet or super yacht.

Whether it’s a quick one-day business trip, or a transfer for a few days to practice a favourite hobby, thanks to private jets, travelling is fast and without queues, weekends are relaxing and stress-free, and finally we can benefit from our time. The same can be said of yachts. Taking the necessary time, we can enjoy not only navigation but also boat living and travelling; those are essential factors to ensure that yacht becomes something we truly own.

The pleasure is greatest in savouring the sunset by sitting in the comfort of our own yacht, the ecstasy is complete watching a sunrise from the sky, just sat in the cockpit our own jet.

The contemplation is the real escape: pleasing to the eyes, facing the sea, the horizon, the nature, tasting of a holiday in some spectacular and paradisaical places, away from all, just breaking the daily rhythms. We are accustomed to the word ‘contemplation’, but it contains the Latin root ‘templum’, which recalls not the passive attitude to watch, but an active listening attitude, the ability to interchange empty and full sensations and to see fullness and spaciousness. That is being able to open gaps to lighten loads.

We can live with a little less of everything… except spare time and what makes us feel happy. It is not a mandatory rule for all, but a good approximation that can be adapted to most of us. And it is the best recipe.